Savannahian awarded $5,000 essay contest scholarship

From left are Jeffrey Eugene, Maya Angelou, and Eugene's parents, Kenneth and Wendy Eugene.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Hampton University freshman Jeffery Eugene of Savannah was a grand-prize winner in Alltel Wireless' fourth annual "Words of Wisdom" essay contest for students at historically black colleges and universities.

He was one of 10 winners selected from more than 1,300 applicants and received a $5,000 scholarship. He traveled to Little Rock, Ark., for a reception in his honor at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, where he was presented his award by world-renowned poet Maya Angelou.

Eugene's essay was selected by educators, business leaders and Alltel employees based on his response to the essay question, "In remembering the past, what will you do to contribute to a brighter future?"

In his essay, Eugene discusses the current need for strong male role models within the African-American community like Martin Luther King Jr., Booker T. Washington and Thurgood Marshall.

Said Angelou, "The challenges our predecessors faced serve as a constant reminder that we must all do our part to ensure a brighter tomorrow. These young people are truly an inspiration. I enjoyed spending time with each of them and hearing about their plans for our future."